SMART Goals and Chronic Pain: What are your goals?

@tekkie3 You're welcome! I learned a phrase at Mayo Pain Rehab

"March before you feel like it"

Keep moving in the right direction towards your goals, one step at a time.

Goals, they are great motivation, but sometimes we fall off, I did over these past couple of weeks. As my friend once said, when you're in the soup, you're in the soup. I mismanaged my body and caused major flares which inevitably caused a downward spiral both physically and mentally. It was my fault as sometimes my C self (stable, moderate, flexible) likes to push a little more towards that old A life (perfectionism, overachieving) which results in the messy unstable B life that I fought to get away from.

The article @sueinmn recently posted ties in to this approach of mind and body management. The good news is that even when I know disruption comes to my schedule and goals, I can and always will get back on the grind. Never be afraid to restart and give yourself grace.

My goals are simple for the week:

1. stick to my schedule of moderation, exercise and proper eating
2. don't let feelings drive the bus

What goals do you have today?

@rwinney Today I set a goal to pull some weeds that sprung up along the walkway. Got a kitty litter bucket full pulled! [What I want to know is why aren't these tender shoots eaten by the deer and squirrels, instead of my roses!!??] I'll let them dry out for pickup in next week's trash. It felt good to be in the winterish air and doing something productive. And a load of wash is going. Setting small goals and adapting as needed.
Ginger

Winter walking is tough with the ice! We used to "mall walk", but indoor malls are disappearing. The treadmill is a good but sometimes boring option - I walk/run/jog in place while watching TV. My daughter worked at home using a standing desk & treadmill for over a year. I also try to do my housework vigorously to get my heart rate up.
Any other ideas to keep moving?
Sue

@rwinney Today I set a goal to pull some weeds that sprung up along the walkway. Got a kitty litter bucket full pulled! [What I want to know is why aren't these tender shoots eaten by the deer and squirrels, instead of my roses!!??] I'll let them dry out for pickup in next week's trash. It felt good to be in the winterish air and doing something productive. And a load of wash is going. Setting small goals and adapting as needed.
Ginger

I was feeling that my osteoarthritis was getting the better of me, so I decided to be proactive and lose weight. I am feeling really good about it, just upping my vegetable intake, very little sugar and processed foods. I have been making my own salad dressings which are really good and make me want to eat a salad more. I have lost 6 pounds so far. This process makes me feel like I an more in control of my life. I am having a hard time walking because of my knees but try to do a little each day

Many times achieving goals are overwhelmed by severe depression.

HI Lisa - It's great to hear that you are working to take control of your own health. Too much sugar makes my joints hurt worse, so when I get a case of "the nibbles" I often reach for a few strawberries, raspberries or grapes. For me, frozen fruit, half thawed, is very satisfying.
Maybe if walking is too painful, you can either pool walk, letting the water support you. Or, sometimes riding a bike - regular or stationery would be easier on your knees? That is what my sister-in-law did while waiting for her TKR's
Just keep taking your baby steps.
What do you find satisfying to snack on?
Sue